Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

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Prepare for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor exam. Study effectively with flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and detailed explanations. Ensure success on your assessment!

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What legislative act is known for launching the civilian vocational rehabilitation program in the U.S.?

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Smith Fess Act of 1920
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
The Rehabilitation Act amendments of 1984

The correct answer is: The Smith Fess Act of 1920

The Smith Fess Act of 1920 is recognized for establishing the foundation of the civilian vocational rehabilitation program in the United States. This legislation aimed to provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with physical disabilities, marking a significant shift in how rehabilitation services were formally recognized and funded by the federal government. It not only allocated federal funds for state rehabilitation programs but also made vocational training accessible to veterans returning from World War I, opening the door for future developments in rehabilitation legislation. In contrast, while the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its amendments made significant advancements for individuals with disabilities and expanded services, they were built upon the framework established by earlier laws, including the Smith Fess Act. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 primarily focused on prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas such as employment, transportation, and public accommodations, rather than specifically launching vocational rehabilitation programs. Therefore, the Smith Fess Act is the key piece of legislation that laid the groundwork for civilian vocational rehabilitation.